Talladega-based FirstBanc of Alabama is expanding into the northeast part of the state by acquiring Fort Payne-based FBDC Financial for $20.5 million..The merger is expected to close by the second quarter of 2026. FirstBanc of Alabama is the parent company of $1.1 billion First Bank of Alabama. FBDC Financial Corporation is the parent company of $164 million First Fidelity Bank. The deal adds First Fidelity’s locations in Fort Payne, Ider, Rainsville and Mentone, Ala. The combined bank will operate 18 branches and have $1.3 billion in assets.“This combination furthers our goal of being a strong, vibrant community bank in the state of Alabama and expands our footprint in east central Alabama,” said First Bank of Alabama President and CEO Chad Jones. Washington, D.C.-based Olsen Palmer LLC advised First Bank of Alabama, with legal counsel from Birmingham, Ala.-based Compton Jones Dresher LLP. First Fidelity Bank was advised by Chicago-based Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC and represented by New Orleans-based Jones Walker LLP.
